FWP Goes Cross-Country to Solve Major Hunting Crimes in Montana

You don't go to such great lengths to investigate and solve minor hunting offenses.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that was what prompted networking with similar agencies in five different states across the U.S., and led to long-term investigations involving hunting crimes committed in Montana. And the results have been outstanding.

FWP says that Montana game wardens from around the state, including Kalispell, Billings and Miles City, recently traveled to Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wyoming and Kentucky, following up on investigations of violations committed in Montana. The alleged offenses were many, including license fraud, hunting without licenses, hunting during a closed season, harvesting of game animals over the legal limits, waste of game animals, tag transfer and unlawful possession of game animals.

The cases involved complex, long-term investigations of the most serious type of violations of hunting laws in Montana. That is according to Ron Howell, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Chief of Law Enforcement.

Montana's wardens were assisted by game wardens in the aforementioned states. The combined efforts led to the seizure of seven elk, six mule deer, three white tail deer and two antelope. Charges are pending on all of the cases.

Chief of Law Enforcement Howell was quoted as saying, “Without the assistance of officers from the states involved, these cases would likely not be successfully investigated and prosecuted.

“These investigations highlight the hard work and tenacity of our wardens to ensure that serious violations are investigated, and suspects are held accountable for those violations.”

No further details were given as to who was accused of each offense and in which of the five states each of the various individuals were found.